METHODOLOGY FOR CALCULATING THE LOAD-BEARING AND TENSILE ELEMENTS OF SAFETY BARRIERS FOR COMPLEX LOADS

Abstract

Modern cable and cord structures are widely used in construction, mechanical engineering, and engineering systems due to their high strength, low weight, and ability to withstand significant tensile forces. However, accurate determination of the stress-strain state of flexible elements on elastic supports remains a challenging task, especially under combined loads and pre-tension. The purpose of this study is to develop a universal method for calculating very shallow cables considering pre-tension, elastic settlements of supports, and various loading types. Five calculation schemes are analyzed, analytical relations for determining forces, deflections, moments, and cable length are obtained, and the results are compared with experimental data. The proposed method provides high accuracy: the error in determining sag under uniform load does not exceed 0.3 %, and under concentrated load — up to 9.3 %; errors in thrust forces reach up to 9.63 % and 6 %, respectively. A reliability model for the cable under a concentrated load is developed, allowing determination of allowable loads and critical states. The method can be applied in the design of cable systems, suspension structures, and mechanical components and serves as a basis for further research on spatial systems and dynamic effects.